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CENTURY SEllMON 



DELIVERED IN HOPKINTON 



ON 



LORD'S DAY, DECEMBER %% 1815. 



BY NATHANAEL HOWE, A. M. 

9- PASTOR. OF THE CHURCH. 



c. YEA, I THINK IT MEET, AS LONG AS I AM IN THIS TABERNACLE, 



tl 



TO STIR YOU UP, BT PUTTING VOU IN REMEMBRANCE. 

The Apostle Peter. 



Second edition, revised and corrected. 



*> of 



ANDOVER 

PRINTED BTC FLAGG AND GOULD 

1817. 



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ADVERTISEMENT. 

The Author had no reason to expect, when he wrote and deUvered this 
Sermon, that it would be requested lor the press. However, as it has been 
requested, he consents it should be made public : with this impression full up- 
on his mind, that no person will think he has aimed at any thing more than 
truth, impartiality, perspicuity and precision. As it may occasion unpleasant 
feelings in the minds of some of his people, h^ requests them to consider, that 
it is as suitable to discover engagedness for the cause of truth, as to go to law 
for the sake of justice, or take physic for the sake of health. 

The Author, therefore, dedicates this discourse to the people of his charge, 
with his best wishes for their peace, prosperity and eternal happiness. 

N. B. The Author consents to a second edition of his Century Sermon, to 
gratify some friends ; to counteract the mistakes of the Pteviewer in the Even- 
ing Gazette ; and to credit his people for an unusual instance of liber»lfty in 
giving him an elegant suit of Clothes, immediately after the Sermon was de- 
livered. 






SERMON, 



ECCLES. i. 4. 

ONE GENERATION PASSETH AWAY, AND ANOTHER OENERATION 
COMETH ; BUT THE EARTH ABIDETH FOREVER. 

WE live in a changing world ; this truth is evident from 
our text, from our ohservation, and from our experience. 

We have no need of going to the Bible to discover, that 
one generation passetii away, and another generation com- 
eth : we know it by our own observation. Where are the 
people who were old, twenty five years ago ? They are 
dead, with only one exception. I remember that Mr. Jo- 
seph Cody was an old man, when I first saw^ him. All 
the rest are dead ! 

Where are those who were twenty five years ago, in 
the midst of life, active, useful and promising? All who 
are living, have now become old, and are drawing to- 
ward the grave ; for the grey hairs are growing thick upon 

their heads. 

Where are those who were young twenty five years 
ago ? They have come forward to the midst of life, and 
fill the most active, honorable and useful stations. Some 
of them are Beacons of the Church. Magistrates of the 
Commonwealth. Selectmen of the Town. Military Of- 
ficers of various grades. And others in more private sta- 
tions, acting in diilerent town offices ; members of civil 
society ; heads of families, &c. 

And what shall I say more ? Shall I say that more 
than half our inhabitants have been born within that time ? 

It now lacks less that twenty five days, of twenty five 
years, since my first coming to this place, to preach to i\m 



4 

people. At that time I bad only arrived to a state of man- 
hood ; I bad youth, activity, and a considerable share of 
sprigbtlincss on my side ; I am now old. I have lived to 
see more than half a century ; the grey hairs are growing 
upon my bead ; the grinders cease because they are few ; 
the keepers of the bouse tremble ; my infirmities indicate, 
that 1 have but a few more years, or months, or days to 
live ! 

Is it not evident, then, that we live in a changing world ? 
Is it not evident that one generation passeth away, and 
another feneration cometh : but the earth abideth forever? 

If we appeal to our own experience we shall find, that 
we live in a changing world. The seasons of the year 
are changing. Our circumstances are changing. Our 
relations are changing. The inhabitants of the world are 
changing. One generation passeth away, and another 
generation cometh : but the earth abideth forever. 

There was formerly a man living in the kingdom of 
Great Britain, whose name was Edward Hopkins. This 
man was not one of those ignorant, selfish, narrow-con- 
tracted souls, who could think of nothing but himself, his 
family, and friends. He could think of America ; an 
infant country, though it was three thousand rpiles distant. 
He could think of the benefits of education. His enlarg- 
ed mind took into view the difficulties of educating youth, 
in an infimt country, to fill important stations in Church 
and State. 

In the year 1636, the General Court granted four hun- 
dred pounds to erect a College within the Commonwealth. 
In the next year they voted that the College should be 
erected in that part of Newtown, which is now called Cam- 
bridge. The year following they decreed that the College 
should be called Harvard College, in honor of the Rev: 
John Harvard, who had bequeathed his library, ancL^ip- 
ward of seven hundred pounds for the benefit of the 
College. 



5 

In the year 164S, the General Court established a board 
of Overseers. In 1650, the Charter of the Corporation 
was granted. And in the year 1657, Edward Hopkins 
Esq. made his will. 

The Father of Spirits had not only endowed 'Squire 
Hopkins with an enlarged mind, but he had given hini a 
great estate ; and what was of vastly more importance, he 
had given him a benevolent heart. 

'Squire Hopkins was a man of great wealth ; his estate 
was estimated at twenty thousand pounds sterling ; equal 
in value to S88888,88. Eight hundred pounds sterling 
of this property was given to be laid out in lands, three 
fourths for the benefit of the College, and one fourth for 
the benefit of the Grammar School in Cambridge. That 
is to say, 82666,66 were given to the College, and 18888, 
88 to the Grammar School in Cambridge. This was giv- 
en " for the breeding up of youth in the way of learning 
for the public service of the country in future times.'^ 
— " For the upholding and propagating of the kingdom 
of tlie Lord Jesus Christ." These are expressions taken 
from the will of Edward Hopkins Esq. In the year 1710, 
it was ordered that this money should be laid out in lands. 
This dona^on of 'Squire Hopkins to Harvard College 
was the money which first purchased Hopkinton, which 
in its original state contained what is now called Hopkin- 
ton, about three thousand acres of Upton, and five hun- 
dred acres of HoUiston. The lands began to be settled 
jbetween 1710, and 1713. On the 13th day of December, 
(Old Style,) which according to the present mode of reck- 
oning brings it to the 24th day of December, 1715, this 
town was incorporated. This day, therefore, is the be- 
ginning of a new Century, to the inhabitants of this place. 
As the town was purchased by the donation of 'Squire 
Hopkins to Harvard College, the lands were to be leased 
out to tenants, at one penny sterling per acre, to be paid 






6 

auiiually to the College to the year 1823, and three pence 
of like money afteiward. Twelve thousand five hundred 
acres were to be leased out to tenants ; the residue to be 
common land, to be divided among the tenants to enable 
them the better to pay the quit rents ; and moreover, the 
tenants were to pay a province tax, for what they were 
worth, above the rents reserved. 

It is natural to suppose these considerations would lead 
many people in indigent circumstances to come, and to 
settle here : the town, therefore, increased rapidly in pop- 
ulation for a number of years. 

May 21, 1723. The town " voted to have preachin 
constantly on the Sabbath." May 20, 1724, they voted 
to give Mr. Barrett " sixty pounds, in day-labor, oxen's 
work, boards, shingles, clapboards, slitwork, and other 
materials to build him a house ; and if not paid in those 
articles to be paid in money." The same day they voted 
to give Mr. Barrett thirty five pounds, in addition to the 
cutting and carting his firewood for three years ; and sev- 
enty pounds afterwards with the cutting and carting his 
firewood to be his annual salary, during his ministry. On 
the 2d day of September following, a Congregational 
Church was gathered, consisting of fifteen members. 
Their names were, Samuel Barrett, Samuel Wadkins, 
William Montgomery, Robert Hamilton, Samuel Wark, 
Benjamin Burnap, Robert Cook, Elnathan Allen, John 
Wood, Joseph Haven, Robert Huston, William Dunag- 
hoi, Patrick Hamilton, Obediah Allen, and Jacob Gibbs. 
These were the only Members of the Church when it was 
formed. The same day the Rev. Samuel Barrett, a native 
of Boston, who graduated at Harvard College in 1721, 
was ordained Pastor of said Church. This was at a pe- 
riod of our country when ministers were respected, public 
worship attended, family religion and family government 
were maintained, morality and piety prevailed. 



But in the course of a few years a dissension took 
place ; a large number had been admitted to communion ; 
some of whom proved themselves unworthy of their Chris- 
tian standing. 

It appears on record, that on the ninth day of April 
1731, the Church voted to comply with the Cambridge 
Platform of church discipline. This gave great offence. 
James Montgomery and his mother, Robert Cook and his 
wife, William Hinry, Walter Stewart, Robert Huston and 
his wife, John Hamilton, Robert Barrett and the widow 
Hamilton, and others, absented themselves from commu- 
nion. The elders therefore were sent by the Church to 
inquire of these delinquents, the reasons of their absent- 
ing themselves from the Lord's Supper. They replied, 
they had laid the matter before ministers, and if their advice 
was such as they could not comply with, they meant to 
leave the town. 

When the Church insisted on knowing their reasons, 
it was replied, that the Church had altered their mode 
of government; that they had received members from 
Framingham without a dismission ; and that they were 
not under obligation to keep covenant with such a Church. 

On June 14, 1733, Joseph Bixby and Joseph Haven 
were ordained to the office of ruling Elders in the Church. 
Also Benjamin Burnap and Henry Mellen were ordained 
Deacons. On this occasion the Rev. Thomas Prince, and 
the Rev. John Webb, both pastors of churches in the town 
of Boston were present and assisted. 

This, with the other causes before mentioned, led part 
of the members of the Church to separate and absent 
themselves from communion. These offended brethren 
formed a society, built a meeting house, and maintain- 
ed their separation for a number of years. There is no 
account that they ever had a minister. It is more than 
probable, that they njet together, sung, prayed, and ex- 



9 

horted one another. But in process of time, their zeal 
abated, their society dwindled, their meeting house de- 
cayed, some died, others sold and removed ; and a num- 
ber of years after they had been admonished and sus- 
pended by the Church, those who remained in town re- 
turned, made concessions to the Church, and were restor- 
^ed to their former standing, and admitted to communion. 

Thus we see that this society, formed by prejudice and 
passion, wiien the fever of the moment had abated, sunk 
and disappeared. 

This difficulty, however, which originated in the year 
1731, was not completely settled till the year 1738. 

As the Rev. Samuel Barrett's ministry was lengthy, 
honorable, and successful, I shall divide it into five dif- 
ferent periods of ten years each, except tlie last, which 
>vas about eight years and three months. 

In the first ten years of his ministry, there were 146 ad- 
mitted to full communion ; — 58 owned the covenant ; — 
206 received the ordinance of Baptism ; — and 41 couples 
were joined in marriage. 

In the second ten years of his ministry there was a diffi- 
culty existing between this Church and the churches of 
Framingham and Shrewsbury, respecting the admission 
of members from those churches, who had not been regu- 
larly recommended and dismissed. After repeated exer- 
tions to settle it, a Council was called consisting of the 
Kev. Mr. Cheever of Rumney-Marsh, Rev. Mr. Moody 
of York, Rev. Mr. Wise of Berwick, Rev. Mr. White of 
Gloucester, Rev. Messrs. Thatcher, Webb, Dr. Sewall, 
Prince, Gee, and Mather, pastors of churches in the town 
of Boston, with their delegates. 

The 25th day of June 1735 was appointed for the 
Council to meet. When it was ascertained that this large, 
learned, and venerable Ecclesiastical Council could not 
be convened, on account of the distance, season of the 



year, &c. the Church voted to strike out Mr. Moody, Mr. 
"SY hite, and Mr. Wise, and send to the church in Sudbury; 
but the Council were providentially detained from meet- 
ing. The Church then voted to send again to the same 
Council with the addition of the church in Berwick. Vot- 
ed, That the third Wednesday of September be the time 
for the Council to meet. Yoted also, to add Mr. Moody, 
and his son from York, to the Council. 

This Ecclesiastical Council convened, at the time and 
place, and after mature consideration of the subject, 
they resulted in favor of the doings of this Church. The 
Church voted thanks to the Council, requested the Rev. 
Mr. Gee of Boston to be present at the reading of the re- 
sult, and voted to comply with the result of the Council. 

In this period, that is, from Sept. 2, 1734 to Sept. 2, 
1744, there were 90 admitted to full communion ; — 4S 
owned the covenant ; — 389 were baptised ; — and 44 cou- 
ples joined in marriage. 

In the third period of ten years of the Rev. Mr. Bar- 
rett's ministry, there were troublous times. Mr. White- 
iield, Buel, Tennant and other ministers were travelling 
through the country, and preaching with uncommon ani- 
mation and success. No doubt by their doctrines, zeal 
and oratory they did vast good ; but like all other human 
beings, they were imperfect, and sometimes indiscreet. 
Mr. Whitefield acknowledged very freely, the last time 
he travelled through the country, that he had done wrong 
in speaking against the standing order of ministers as he 
had done formerly ; that he should not liave done it, had 
he been more acquainted with them. These animated, 
ardent preachers, drew away the afl'ections of many peo- 
ple from tlieir oAvn ministers. 

At this time Mr. Barrett, /or a season, lost the confi- 
dence and affections of some of the most serious and 
pious people in town. The late Deacon Moses Haven 



10 

and otliers absented themselves from Mr. Barrett's min- 
istry, and joined with the Rev. Mr. Reed's society ia 
Framingham ; sometimes hearing him, and sometimes the 
Rev. Mr. Frost of Milford : but when the fervor of their 
affection abated, they returned to this Society, respected 
Mr. Barrett, lived under his ministry, and were edified. 
About this time the Rev. Roger Price, a clergyman of the 
episcopalian order, came to this town, purchased a large 
tract of land, built a church, and endowed it with a glebe 
containing one hundred and seventy acres ; preached here 
about three years, and returned to England. Soon after 
this, he sent the Rev. Mr. Troutback, who officiated here 
for some time, and then removed. Since his removal, there 
have been only a few solitary instances of that mode of 
worship for nearly sixty years. I have never heard but 
what the Rev. Mr. Barrett and the Rev. Mr. Price lived 
in great harmony, though they were of different religious 
denominations, and lived witliin a fcM^ rods of each other. 
And we have the more reason to believe this, from the 
circumstance, that the descendants of the Rev. Mr. Price 
have been unusually kind and beneficent to the descen- 
dants of the Rev. Mr. Barrett. During this period, that 
is, from Sept. 2, 1744 to Sept. 2, 1754, 26 were admitted 
to full communion ; — 43 owned the covenant ; — 288 were 
baptised ; — and 44 couples Avere joined in marriage. 

In tlie fourth period of ten years of the Rev. Mr. Bar- 
rett's ministry, that is, from Sept. 2, 1754 to Sept. 2, 1764, 
the state of this people was more tranquil and happy. 
Mr. Barrett's character was established, his wisdom had 
been manifested, and his stability was undoubted. He 
had sustained the office of a gospel minister for thirty 
years. He had stood firm and unshaken through times of 
violence, intrigue, and faction. Neither contention, nor 
division, nor separation, could divert him from his course. 
Mr. Barrett was not an animated preacher, but he was 



li 

sensible, orthodox, and exemplary. The Historical So- 
ciety of Massachusetts have published his character as 
follows : — " He was a pious, good Christian, a man of 
great c^indor, and good nature/' This appears to me, in 
some^; measure, to fall short of his real excellence ; they 
might have added, a man of great stability and perse- 
verance. 

In this period he admitted 31 persons to full commu- 
nion ; — 7% owned the covenant ; — 337 were baptised ; — 
and 70 couples were joined in marriage. 

In the last period of the Rev. Mr. Barrett's ministry, 
which consisted of eight years and tiuee months, his ac- 
tivity abated ; his faculties were diminished ; but in this 
period, he admitted 15 persons to full communion : — 33 
owned the covenant ; — 193 were baptised ; — 53 couples 
were joined in marriage ; — but we have no account of 
deaths. 

Mr. Barrett called a church meeting, Dec. 3, 1771? for 
the purpose of choosing a colleague pastor to assist him 
in the decline of life. But " by reason of age and infir- 
mity," as the records state, he was unable to preside at 
said meeting ; however, the Church proceeded, and unan- 
imously made choice of Mr. Elijah Fitch for a colleague 
pastor. On the fifteenth day of January 1773? the Rev. 
Elijah Fitch was ordained ; and on the eleventh of the 
December following, the Rev. Samuel Barrett died, in 
the seventy second year of his age, and the forty ninth year 
of his ministry. Thus he died, like God's ancient and 
faithful servant Job, ^' being old and full of days." 

As the Trustees of Hopkins' donation to Harvard Col- 
lege gave Mr. Barrett one hundred acres of land, adjoin- 
ing this meeting house, for his own personal use and be- 
hoof forever, because he was the first minister ; so also 
they gave him another hundred acres of land, which was 
given to him, his heirs, assigns, and successors ; which is 



called the ministerial land, and is now in my possession. 
As Mr. Barrett lived at a time when black people were 
slaves, and had them for servants ; — and beside this, had 
in Boston wealthy and benevolent connexions, by whose 
liberality he was fnrnished with such things as be need- 
ed ; — and, in addition to this, had seventy pounds, with 
the cutting and carting his firewood, for his annual salary ; 
— we have reason to believe he had a comfortable support, 
though the people were generally poor. The Rev. Mr. 
Barrett left but one child, a son, who departed this life 
March 10, 1800, who was exemplary, industrious, and 
inoffensive. 

The Rev. Elijah Fitch was ordained, as \\t have before 
said, on the fifteenth day of January 177^- Almost eleven 
months before the death of the reverend Mr. Barrett. Mr. 
Fitch was a native of Connecticut ; born in the toAvn of 
Windham ; educated at Yale College ; graduated in the 
year 17^5. He was a man of great powers of mind. He 
possessed a sound judgment. He was somewhat reserved 
in mixt companies, but in the pulpit he was remarkably 
eloquent. He was nnassuming ; a man of meekness and 
candor ; a man of humility and benevolence ; he was pa- 
tient, industrious, and persevering. His life was spent in 
one continual series of exertion for the good of his church, 
people, and family. Perhaps no man, with his advanta- 
ges and income, could have left his family in better cir- 
cumstances than he did. 

Mr. Fitch was not rigid in his religious opinions ; he 
was considered a moderate Calvinist. He was respected 
by his own people, and esteemed by the neighboring reli- 
gions societies. During his ministry, which lacked one 
month of seventeen years, he admitted 37 persons to full 
communion ; — 100 owned the covenant ; — 422 were bap- 
tised ; — 189 couples were joined in marriage ; — and in 
this time there were 316 deaths. In the first year of Mr. 



m 

Fitch's ministry there were 39 deaths ; 20 of them were 
occasioned by the canker. 

In the year 1775, when the army lay in, and about Cam- 
bridge, ther« were 45 deaths ; 20 of these were occasion- 
ed by the dysentary. This was probably the greaj,est 
mortality, that has taken place in any one year, since the 
town was settled. In the year I788 there were only ten 
deaths ; the Rev. Elijah Fitch was the last of that num- 
ber. 

When the town voted to concur with the Church in 
giving Mr. Fitch a call to settle with them in tlie ministry, 
tliey gave liira S M4,44 for his settlement, and SSOO annu- 
ally for his salary. This was at a time when provisions 
were low, laud was cheap, labor easily obtained, and at a 
moderate price. Within three years of this time, paper 
money was emitted, and it depreciated from one degree to 
another, till Mr. Fitch's salary, for a year, would only pay 
a common hired man for six months' labor. The Rev. 
Mr. Fitch was liberally educated, — regularly introduced 
into the ministry, — necessitated to keep an horse to enable 
him to discharge the duties of his oflSce, to attend funerals, 
visit the sick, &e., to borad his hired man, and himself, 
and then his whole salary for a year, would only pay a 
hired man, for six months' labor ! 

Is there no bounds to oppression, injustice, and cruelty ? 
I confess for myself I know* of none. This was in the 
time of the revolutionary war, when oar liberties were in 
danger, and our country in distress ; but after the peace, 
the town had so much sense of honor and duty, as to raise 
Mr. Fitch's salary from sixty to seventy pounds lawful 
money, and that continued to be his salary while he lived. 

But after Mr. Fitch's death, the town had so little com- 
passion on the widow and fatherless^ that they took the 
ministerial land into their own hands, without any lawful 
right; and applied the profits of that to their own use, which 



14 

was given by the Trustees of Hopkins' donation to Har- 
vard College, " to the Rev. Samuel Barrett and his suc- 
cessors in the ministry." 

However, Mr. Fitch was not only an industrious man 
himself, but he had an industrious family. He left an 
amiable and pious widow, and five children. The eldest 
daughter, who had professed and practised religion while 
she was well, sickened and died about five years after her 
father. The eldest son is the Rev. John Fitch of Dan- 
ville, in the State of Vermont, who has been minister of 
that town for more than twenty years, and is now one of 
the most respectable ministers in that State. 

The eldest daughter, now living, is with her mother, 
and well known to the generality of this assembly. The 
youngest son is Deacon Elijah Fitch, chosen to that office 
by an uncommon unanimity, having had all the votes ex- 
cept his own, or all but one except his own. And the 
youngest daughter is Mrs. Betsey Rawson, the wife of 
the Rev. Nathanael Rawson of Hardwick, in the State of 
Vermont. 

All amiable characters, all professors of religion, all of 
one denomination, adorning their profession by a pious 
life. 

Whose descendants can vie with the descendants of the 
Rev. Elijah Fitch. 

It is true, the family were never wealthy, but they have 
always been respected. Such was the rise, progress, 
character and success, and such the descendants of the 
Rev. Elijah Fitch. 

In the former part of his ministry he enjoyed good health, 
and an uncommon share of activity ; but two years before 
his death, he was unwell and unable to preach through the 
winter. In the spring he recovered partially, was able, 
and continued to preach till the April preceding his death. 
The Rev. Elijah Fitch lived beloved, and died lamented 



15 

by his numerous acquaintance and friends. He departed 
this life Dec. 16, 17'88, in tiie 43d year of his age, and 
17th year of his ministry. 

Thus we see ^* one generation passeth away, and an- 
other generation cometh ;" and passeth away, ^' but the 
earth abideth forever." 

Not only the ministers, but the people have been dying 
from year to year. In the forty years last past there have 
been not less than 700 deaths ; and is it not reasonable to 
suppose that in the sixty years preceding there were as 
many deaths, as there have been in the forty years follow- 
ing? Admitting this to be a reasonable calculation, we 
maj^ conclude there have been since the incorporation of the 
town 1400 deaths ; which is equal to the number of our 
present inhabitants. After the funeral of the Rev. Mr. 
Fitch, the bearers supplied for a considerable time, and 
then candidates were employed. 

The Rev. Solomon Adams late of Middleton, deceased, 
was your first candidate. Rev. Joshua Cushraan late of 
Winslow, Rev. Stephen Baxter late of Western, Rev. 
Pearson Thurston late of Sommersworth, Rev. Alden 
Bradford formerly of Wiscasset, now Secretary of State 
for this Commonwealth, Rev. Gordon Dorrance of Wind- 
sor, and a Mr. Stone of Shrewsbury, who preached here 
four Sabbaths, the two last in December I79O, and the 
two first in January 1791- The weather was unfavoura- 
ble, and the travelling bad, and in no one of those Sab- 
baths were there so many as thirty persons assembled in 
this house to worship God ! 

At this time your present minister was engaged to come 
and preach to this people as a candidate. He was em- 
ployed by a committee consisting of 'Squire M'Farland, 
Mr. Henry Mellen, and Dr. Stimson Esq. After preach- 
ing here for three months, from the third Sabbath in Janu- 
ary, then being absent a few weeks to fulfil a former en- 



16 

ga2;eineiit, lie rctuvneil to prcaeli to tliis people, and on the/ 
May follovvins; received a uiiauioious call from the Church 
to settle as their pastor. Ou May 19th the town " voted 
to concur with the Churcli, provided Mr. Howe consents 
to admit children to haptism, whos*c parents are in the 
half-way covenant, so called. '^ 

The half-way covenant was a scheme devised by our 
forefathers, assembled in synod, l662, to determine, who 
were the proper subjects of baptism ; and they decided, 
" that church members, who were admitted in minority, 
understanding the doctrine of faith, and publicly profess- 
ing their assent thereto, not scandalous in life, and solemn- 
ly owning the covenant before the church, wherein they 
give up themselves and children to the Lord, and subject 
themselves to the government of Christ in his Church, 
their children are to be baptised." 

This scheme inclined persons, who had no reason to 
think themselves qualified to partaice of tlie Lord^'s Supper, 
to make this kind of profession and have their children 
baptised. At this time, there were probably more than 
twice the number, who belonged to the half-way covenant, 
than there were who belonged to tlie Church in full com- 
munion ; for my reverend predecessor had admitted one 
hundred to that covenant, and only thirty seven to full com- 
munion during liis ministry. This call of the town was 
presented by a large and respectable committee, consisting 
of Deacon Moses Haven, Mr. Jacob Gibbs, Col. John 
Jones, Deacon Stephen Kinsman, Mr. Barachias Morse, 
Col. Nathan Perry, and Maj. William Price. When 
the call was presented and read, I took occasion to ob- 
serve to the committee, tliat I had never been convinced 
that the half-way covenant could be supported by scrip- 
ture, and 1 could not consent to baptise in that way, till I 
was convinced ; and if that was a iixed condition in the 
minds of the town, I could give them an answer at that 



17 

time as well as any other. Mr. Morse inquired if that 
was the only objection I had to settling here ? to which I 
answered, it appeared to be the greatest. Upon which it 
was proposed to have another town meeting, and see what 
compromise could be made. 

When the town assembled, I attended, and when call- 
ed upon stated — "^That no difference in sentiment respect- 
ing the half-way covenant, so called, should prevent me 
from exchanging with any of the regular gospel ijiinisters 
in this neighborhood ; and although it does not appear 
to me to be right, to administer the ordinance of baptism 
in this way ; and 1 cannot consistently do it before 1 am 
convinced it is right : yet 1 think I feel myself disposed 
to give other people the same liberty, with respect to reli- 
gion, I take for myself. 

** Therefore whenever T exchange, if the minister with 
whom I exchange thinks he can conscientiously baptise 
children by the half-way covenant, and those, who are in 
that covenant, think they can conscientiously oifer their 
children, I shall not feel myself under obligation to ob- 
ject against their doing what appears to them to be right. 

** And that every man may see, that I am disposed to 
be fair and plain ; and that no difficulty may ever arise 
concerning this matter, I say further, that, notvv'ithstanding 
I am opposed to that practice ; yet, if the Church and the 
minister with whom I exchange think proper to take any 
more into the half-way covenant, I shall treat them in the 
same manner, 1 do those, who are already in that cove- 
nant." 

This town meeting was on July 18, 1791, at which 
time the town voted " to concur with the Church in giving 
Mr, Nathanael Howe a call to be their gospel minister, 
upon the proposals Mr. Howe has now offered." 

Also, " voted to ratify the doings of the town on the 
nineteenth of May last, respecting Mr. Howe's settlement 



IS 

and salary," tliat was, to give two liundred pounds settle- 
ment, and seventy jiounds salary, in addition to the im- 
provement of the ministerial land. 

Our pious forefathers with good intent, no doubt, devis- 
ed the half way covenant. Being alarmed at the declin- 
ing numbers of the Church, and the corresponding increase 
of the unbaptised, depending on human wisdom, and dis- 
trusting tlie divine faithfulness, this plan was devised and 
adopted : aud when it was introduced into the Churches, 
it occasioned contentions, divisions, and separations ; as 
you may sec by reading Mather's Magnalia. When it 
was discovered that its tendency was to destroy the 
Church ; for if every person joined in that way, there 
would be no Church, when it was discovered that its 
tendency was to injure the persons received, by making 
them think they had done their duty, when they had not ; 
aud to pervert the ordinance of baptism, by administering 
it to unsuitable subjects :— it was opposed both by minis- 
ters and Churches. And it occasioned as much conten- 
tion and- opposition to lay it aside, as to introduce it. That 
erroneous practice is now dead ; only fourteen have been 
baptised by tluit covenant since my ordination ; none with- 
in fifteen years last past ; and none have been admitted 
since my induction to office. 

In the first year of my ministry, I leased a part of the 
ministerial common to Maj. Burnap, during my ministry ; 
the said Burnap was to clear the land, fence it, subdue the 
bushes, and keep the fences in good repair ; on these con- 
ditions I believed it would be as valuable to my successor, 
as to myself. This however, gave great offence. It oc- 
casioned a town meeting, which I attended ; but previous 
to the town meeting I had agreed with Maj. Burnap to 
rescind the bargain. 

Tlic town complained that I was making an unsuitable 
use of the ministerial common ; to which I replied, that the 



19 

laud was lawfully mine, during my ministry ; for it was 
not given to the town, bnt to " the Rev. Samuel Barrett 
and his successors." 1 then complained that the town 
had been inattentive in their obligations to me ; not hav- 
ing paid the salary tiiey promised. For on Nov. 3, 179S 
they granted my first year's salary, which was almost a 
month after the first year expired. And not one cent of the 
first year's salary had been granted, assessed, or paid ; and 
at that time I owed no man in town a single shilling. This 
difficulty was settled on Jan. 14, 1793, by my offering to 
relinquish my right to the ministerial common, on the con- 
dition, the town would pay the salary on the day they pro- 
mised, or put it on interest. This was a good bargain 
both for me, and the town, for it secured to me my salary, 
at the time appointed, which has been a great benefit ; 
and it secured to the town the ministerial common land, 
without any expense, provided they punctually fulfilled 
their obligations to me. 

Aoout this time, 'Squire M'Farland and Mr. Henry Mel- 
len, two of our principal men, left this society, and joined 
the Methodists, because they were dissatisfied with the 
doctrines here delivered. But not finding themselves so 
agreeably situated as they expected, they returned to this 
society. Mr. Melleu is since dead ; and 'Squire M'Far- 
land has manifested his regard to the Sabbath, and public 
worship, by attending very constantly, though he has nev- 
er approved of my religious or political sentiments. 

At this time, a brother of the Church left our commu- 
nion, and joined the Methodists : the Church dealt with 
liim as an offender, and seeing he did not reform, excom- 
municated him. 

The Church passed a vote May 13, 1790, the year be- 
fore I came to town, that if any should omit praying 
with their families, or omit public worship, or communion, 
or be found from time to time disguised with strong drink, 
they should be under the immediate admonition of the 



30 

Churcli. It was found that one brother did not pray witk 
his family ; lie was dealt with as an oflfenderj and seeing 
he did not reform, was excommunicated. 

When the public took sides upon politics, your minister 
"Was a Federalist, though he was sensible a very great ma- 
jority of the town, were of different sentiments. He^ be- 
lieved then, as he believes now, that he ought to have 
more regard to his country, than to any particular part of it : 
and when he has occasionally preached political sermons, 
they have repeatedly occasioned uncomfortable feelings.* 

Another difficulty your minister has had to encounter, 
was the want of support. A vast change has taken place, 
in the expenses of dressing and living since my ordination, 
and yet no addition has been made to my salary. 

When a candidate, I determined I would never settle, 
till I saw a reasonable prospect of a comfortable support, 
and when settled, that 1 would never complain of my sal- 
ary. I remained of this mind, till I had been your minis- 
ter for fifteen years. 

Born down with the fatigues of manual labor, pressed 
into the woods in the winter, to the plough in the spring, 
and into the meadow in the summer, to support my family 
comfortably, and fulfil my promises, I felt the business 
of the ministry a\ as greatly neglected ; — that it was im- 
possible for me to do what ought to be done in my profes- 
sion, unless the people did more toward my support. 

I committed my th.oughts to paper, then communicated 
them tc four brethren of the Church, then to the Church 
as a body, and afterward to the town. 

As there has been much misunderstanding, and many 

misrepresentations upon this matter, I will read it again, 

and then the doings of the town thereon. 

* The Author commenced his political career, when Gov. Sumner 
was chosen to fill the chair of State, and was one of seven in the town 
of Hopkinton. who £;ave him their votes: viz. Col. .Tones. Maj- Price, 
Dr. StimsoQ, Dr. Wilson, Mr. Barachias Morse, Mr. Surrage and 
ilimself. 



21 

*' To the Brethren of the Church of Christ in Hopkintou. 
^* Beloved Brethren, 

" When you gave me a call to settle with you io the Gospel min* 
istry, and the Town had concurred and made their proposals, 1 took 
the matter under serious consideration. 1 considered the unanimify of 
the Church and Town, as favourable circumstances, and the*propo-' 
sals that were made with respect to my support, as reasonable, though 
not large. The ministerial land I was sensible was good, though the 
state of cultivation was very bad, and the fences extremely poor. It 
then appeared to me, if 1 should be favoured with prosperity, with the 
knowledge I thought I had of agriculture, that 1 should be able to 
support a family. With those viewts I gave my answer in the affir- 
mative, was ordained, and soon had a family. At this time, every 
article of provision was low, labor was cheap, and my income was 
sufficient for my support. But within two years from my ordination, 
money began to depreciate, and the price of labor to rise ; my salary 
Las continued depreciating and labor rising, till it is not worth more 
than half what it was, when I was settled. 

*' I have always been sensible of the difficulty of transacting money 
business with any people ; and from this impression have labored 
with my hands, to make provision for my family, and fulfil ray prom- 
ises : I have scarcely ever suffered myself to make any complaints ; 
but I find at present, that my expenses are increasing, and my income 
decreasing. This has led me into considerable perplexity with re- 
spect to my duty. If I ask a dismission and remove, it must be 
with a considerable loss of property. If I remain as I am, I see no 
reason to expect any better times. If I exert myself more in labor- 
ing with ray hands, it must be disadvantageous both to you, and rae; 
for then I must neglect my professional business. If I advertise my 
house and land for sale, it will appear precipitate. If I propose to 
the town to purchase it for the next minister, and ask them to dismiss 
me : I know not how this will operate. I do not wish to leave the 
ministry ; but if I should ever remove, it is full time, for I have pro- 
bably spent the best part of njy life among you. Fifteen years ago, 
the expense of candidate preaching was four or five dollars a Sab- 
bath : now it is eight or ten. Then the members of our general 
court had one dollar per day, now they have two dollars per day. 
A common laborer at that time, had fifty five, or sixty dollars per 
year ; now they have 130, 140, and some 150 dollars a year. 

Is it reasonable then, for ministers to be satisfied with the nominal 
sura, when it is not worth raore than half its original value ? I make 
no pretence to any lawful claim ; but in point of equity, is it not rea- 
sonable ? 1 grant that when two parties have made an agreement, 
the one cannot dissolve it, without the consent of the other. I am 
sensible it is very difficult for us to know many things except what 
we know by experience; and therefore, it is very difficult for any 
people to feel for their minister, because they are not in his circum- 
stances. Brethren, we have lived in a good degree of harmony 
for years past, which I hope will never be interrupted, This society 
perhaps enjoys as much harmony at present, as at any former period ; 



and are abundantly able to make up the depreciation on my salary, 
if liiey are so disposed : but this must depend entirely on their choice. 

'* In these circumstances, Brethren, I request your advice. Shall 
I ask a dismission ? Or, shall 1 ask to have the depreciation made 
up on my salary ? Shall I ask the town to purchase my house and 
land ? Or shall I advertise it in a public paper ? Or ought 1 to re- 
main si^tisfied as I am ? 

" It costs me this year one himdred and fifty dollars for one man's 
labor, who cannot do my business either winter or summer ; and if 
I add to this sum the reasonable expease of his board, it will amount 
to as much as the town pay to my support. It will be said that the 
ministerial land is much more productive than formerly : this is true ; 
but how comes it to pass ? Is it not in consequence of the labor and 
expense I have been at, to cultivate and fence it ? Some years 1 have 
expended as much on the land, as the whole of the income. 

" If it should be said 1 have other income, I ask ; Is it right for 
me to spend the prr jierty that v/as left to my wife, by her parents, 
while I am preachiug to a people vveJI able to support me ? When, 
perhaps, by and by. she may be left in poverty and distress ^ 

" If a farm be let cut at the halves, the buildings and fences will 
soon be out of repair, anc' the land im^joverished. If all the labor 
be hired to carry on n iarm, -iud pay the other expenses, the income 
to the owner will be but smalL 1 say these things to show you my 
situation, and to convince you, that should 1 ask a dismission in a 
few months, you ought not to think it unreasonable. If any should 
be disposed to make an addition to mj salary, on account of the de- 
preciation, this will be likely to make difficulty ; the people will not 
be agreed in it, and beside, no addition would he satisfactory, except 
it be granted to continue, till such times as labor and provisions fall 
in their prices as low as when I was ordained ; then 1 would relin- 
quish it : and if they ever fall belon- what they were then, I will con- 
sent to take less than seventy pounds for my salary. I do not say 
these things, becau'vs 1 think the tov^ij would be willing to make up 
the depreciation in full, perhaps, not in part. If they made up what 
I thought was equal to half the depreciation, I should rest satisfied. 
As the relation between Pastor and Church is quite distinct from the 
relation between minister and people, I have thought it my duty to 
make this statement to yon, before any thing be said to the town, and 
to request your opinion and advice upon it. It is not my expectation, 
that any thing should be done for the fifteen years that are past : and 
if the town would now state my salary, on labor, corn, rye, cider, 
butter and cheese, beef and pork, at the price they bore on the day of 
my ordination, I would consent to take sixty pounds for my salary. 
If any should think it disadvantageous to the town for me to be dis- 
missed and remove, they must know, on the least reflection, that it 
will probably be attended with more loss to me, than to any other 
person. 

" With the hope and expectation that you, brethren, will be ena- 
bled and disposed to advise me in this case to what will be wisest, 
and best, 1 subscribe myself your friend and Pastor, in the faith and 
fellowship of the gospel. 

" Nathanael Howe. 



as 

Oct. 20, 1806. This was read to Deacon Joseph Walker, and 
three other brethren, viz. BeDJamiu Adams, I. Burnap, and Moses 
Chamberlain. 

Nov. 10, 1806. The Church met at the request of their Pastor, to 
give him their advice what he ought to do, in the present depreciated 
state of his salary, and they advised him to ask to have the deprecia- 
tion made up. And he observed to them, that if that was their ad- 
vice, he would thank them to carry it into effect. They then voted 
to request the selectmen, (a majority of whom were present, and 
members of the Church) to call a town meeting within five weeks, to 
see if the town will add fifty per cent to the salary, till such time as 
labor and provisions fall in their prices as low as M'hen he was or- 
dained. 

The town met on Dee. 15, iS06. Mr. Howe was called upon to 
read to the town the commuuicatioit, he had made to the Church. 
Upon which the vote was put, '* To see if the town will (on account 
of the depreciation of money) add 8416,67 to the yearly salary of the 
Rev. Nathanael Howe, till such time as lahor and provisions fall in 
their prices, as low as when he was ordained. This passed in the 
negative hy a lar.^e majority. 

Then Mr. Howe proposed to see if the town would add gll6,67 
till such tiniK as the .nembers of our general court receive less thau 
two dollars per day for their services. This was negatived by a large 
majority. 

Then Mr, Howe proposed to see if the town will add 8116.67 for 
seven years, from the first day of January next. This passed in the 
negative by a large majority. 

Then Mr. Howe proposed to see if the town will make up one half 
the depreciation on his salary from this time while he continues their 
minister. This passed in the negative by a large majority. 

Then Mr. Howe proposed to see if the town will in future give hina 
two hundred dollars for his annual salary, and average it on labor, 
corn, rye, cider, butter and cheese, beef and pork, at the prices ihey 
bore on the day of his ordination. This passed in the negative hy a 
large majority. 

Then Mr. Howe proposed to see if the town will purchase his 
house and land and keep it for the next minister. This passed in 
the negative by a large nsajority. 

Then Mr. Howe proposed to see if the town will request the Church 
by a vote to grant him a dismission. This passed in the negative by 
a large majority. 

Then Mr. Howe said he had but one proposition more to make ; 
whieh was to see if the town were willing he should publish the com- 
munication he had made to the Church, and read to the town this day, 
and all the doings of the town thereon. And this also passed in the 
negative by a large majority. 

Attest, EPHRAIM BEAD, Town Clerk, 



When my communication was read to Deacon Joseph 
Walker, Maj. Buinap, Mr. Benjamin Adams, and 'Squire 
Cliamberlaiu, they lamented the circumstance, but tliought 
it proper to lay the matter before the Church for their ad- 
vice. 

When it was read to the Church, sixteen brethren were 
present ; fourteen of whom advised me to ask the town for 
an addition to my salary, and two were opposed to it. 
And in town meeting there were only three of the fourteen 
who advised me to ask it, who held up their hands in fa- 
vour of it ; viz. Deacon Joseph Walker, Maj. Isaac Bur- 
nap, and Mr. Benjamin Adams ; — and only three of the 
town ; viz. 'Squire Stimson, Col. J. Valentine and Mr. 
Samuel Goddard.* 

The reason of my fixing on that sum, and not being 
willing to accept of less, was because a less sum would do 
me no good. If I had an addition to my salary, I must 
pay more attention to the ministry ; and if not, 1 must 
continue to supply the wants of my family by the labor of 
my hands. It was plain the town were unwilling to 
make that addition, although it was only one half of what 
justice and equity required them to do ; and it has always 
afforded me pleasm'e, to think I had opportunity to show, 
I did not value an hundred dollars, as much as the people 
generally did an hundred cents : for but few would have 
had more than one dollar annually to have paid, above 
the nominal sum, to have furnished me with as much as I 
needed. Some have supposed that the town did nothing 
that day, because they granted no money ; but in this they 
were greatly deceived ; for they convinced me, I could 
place no dependance on their justice and equity ; and that 

* The Reviewer in the Evening Gazette made a mistake, in stat- 
ing that the Author attacked, by name, the persons who voted against 
an inerease of his salary. On the contrary, he gave Credit, by JS'amey 
to all who voted in favour of it. 



25 

I must take care of myself, or perish. This opened ray 
eyes in every direction, and employed my hands every 
day. 

As it has been frequently said, that tlie town would 
have done something handsome, had I not stipulated the 
sum which they must grant, or nothing, they have had 
reason since to think, that in this also they were greatly 
deceived ; for when the town had a meeting the next year, 
through the instrumentality of Deacon Fisk, to show their 
benevolence, and their regard to justice and equity, there 
was a tie ; — the moderator, the late Col. Eames, could 
not determine the vote : the meeting was adjourned for 
two weeks, and at the expiration of that time there was a 
handsome majority in favour of doing nothing. 

You are sensible, that my health has sometimes lieen 
poor, and my mind greatly depressed : poverty has stared 
me in the face. 

My brethren, may I ask a question, a plain, simple 
question ? How shall I obtain your consent ? Shall I 
take silence for consent ? Your countenances discover a 
willingness. 

The question is this : Do you know by what means I 
have become so Hch, as to have a great house, finished 
and furnished ; a farm, a herd of cattle, a flock of sheep, 
horses, and money at interest ? I say nothing about my 
debts to day. 

Shall I answer the question ? — The principal reason is 
this : because I have been doing your business, and neg- 
lecting my own. — What is your business ? — Your business 
is to support your minister ; and that is what I have been 
doing, for more than twenty years. And what is my bu- 
siness ? — My business is to study, and preach ; and in 
this I have never abounded. It is true, I have been ab- 
sent from public worship, not more than four or five Sab- 
baths, for twenty five years ; but I have frequently beeu 



26 

piesent, aiul attempted to preach, when it has been morti- 
fying to me, and coiiUl not have been edifying to you. 1 
have sometimes administered reproof, both to the Church 
and the Society, in a manner that has been thought to dis- 
cover some degree of severity : but in these cases you 
liave always liad good sense enough to know, you richly 
deserved it. 

My object in preaching has been to explain, defend, and 
entorce, wbat bave appeared to me the true doctrines of the 
gospel, God's decrees; for it must be glad tidings of 
great joy to all people, tliat God governs the world ; — 
that iiis government is not only perfect, but universal, and 
lays the only solid foundation for foreknowledge ; for no- 
thing can be certainly fureknowru that is not fixed in the 
Divnie Decree. 

The divinity of Christ: — this lays the only solid foun- 
dation for the suificiency of the atonement made for all 
mankind. 

The doctrine of personal election from eternity to ever- 
lasting lile, as the only doctrine that makes it absolutely 
certain, that any of our sinful race will be saved. 

The doctrine of total depravity, as laying the only solid 
foundation for regeneration. 

Regeneration by the agency of the Spirit of God, as 
laying the foundation for all holy exercises in the hearts 
of men. 

Justification by faith alone, which is the same thing as 
Divine forgiveness. 

The certain and final perseverance of the saints, 
" through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the 
truth ;" the eternity of hell torments, and the duties of 
morality. 1 have always believed and always preached, 
that a good life is the best evidence of a good heart. 

I have aimed to persuade you to follow Christ ; but not 
in his circumcision, nor in his keeping the passover, nor in 



S7 

his baptism ; for that was to fulfil all righteousness/' — 
^* to manifest Ciirist to Israel," and introduce him into the 
ministry. If you follow Christ in his baptism, you must be 
baptised without professing either faith or repentance. An 
innocent person cannot repent ; — Christ professed no re- 
pentance ; and it would be absurd to suppose he profess- 
ed faith in himself. The new testament dispensation be- 
gan, when the Sal)bath was changed from the seventh to 
the first day of the week. ^' For where a Testament is, there 
must also of necessity be the death of the testator. '^ The 
death of Christ ratified the New Testament, and introduced 
the gospel dispensation. My object has been to persuade 
you to follow Christ in his patience, in his meekness, in his 
humility, in his self denial, in his forgiveness of injuries, in 
his piety to his Father, and benevolence to all mankind. 

During my ministry among you, S-h persons have been 
admitted to full communion. There have been i72> bap- 
tisms, — 235 couples have been joined in marriage, — 467 
deaths, — S7 members of this Church have been dismissed 
and recommended to the watch, and fellowship of other 
Churches, — and 8 have been excommunicated. 

Those gentlemen of this society, who have some years 
past extended the hand of charity, in equity, for my relief, 
w ill receive my gratitude. 

Those ladies, who four years ago presented me with an 
elegant and costly surplice, will accept my grateful ac- 
knowledgments. But my obligation for tiiat favour, great 
as it was, bears no comparison with the gratitude I feel to 
those, who have expressed by their practice, peculiar kind- 
ness and attention to Eliza,* in her lengthy and distress- 
ing illness ; such kindnesses cannot be described, nor re- 
paid ; — may God reward them. If any have injured me, 
whether in word, or deed, they will accept my forgive- 

* Eliza, was the Author's eldest daughter, who had been sick of a 
consumption for more than two years, and died the Wednesday fol- 
lowini; the delivery of this sermon ; in the 23d year of her age. 



:38 

ness. And if 1 have injured any, I have only to say, in 
the language of our Saviour ; — ^* When ye stand praying, 
forgive, if ye have ought against any : that your Father, 
also, who is in heaven, may forgive you, your trespasses." 

The Rev. Natlianael Howe was born in that part of 
the town of Ipswich, which belongs to Linebrook parish, 
Oct. 6, 176-i: — graduated at Harvard College I786 : — 
ordained Pastor of the Church in this town, Oct. 5, 1791 j 
and has continued in the ministry, for more than twenty 
four years. 

As I have given you an account of the Pastors of this 
Church, from the time it was formed ; of the number of 
admissions, amounting in the whole to ^M4 ; of the bap- 
tisms, amounting to 1907 ; I will give you an account of 
the Deacons. 

Dea. Benjamin Burnap. Dea. Moses Haven. 

Dea. Joseph Haven. Dea. Stephen Kinsman. 

Dea. Ebenezer Kimball. Dea. Joseph Walker. 

Dea. Joseph Bixby. Dea. Abel Fisk. 

Dea. Henry Mellen. Dea. Samuel Walker. 

Dea. Jason Walker. Dea. Elijah Fitch. 

Those gentlemen, who have received a liberal education 
from this town are — 

The Rev. Elias Haven graduated in - - 1733 

Rev. John Mellen . . - . 174I 

Dr. John W^ilson .... I741 

Rev. Benjamin Caryl . - - - 176I 

Rev. Moses Adams . - _ . 177I 

Dr. Jonathan Eames _ , . - 1775 

Rev. John Fitch ----- 179O 

Dr. Gilbert Dench - ^ ~ - - 1793 

Leonard Mellen Esq. - - - - 1797 

Rev. Daniel Loring . - . - 1800 

Rev. Josiah Moulton . . - - 1803 



39 

Dr. Jeremy Sdmson . - . . 1804 
Rev. Isaac Jones _ _ . . 181Q 
Appleton Howe A. B 1815 

Such has been the Town, Church, Ministers, Deacons, 
Graduates, and such the state of society, for an hundred 
years. 

What now remains is to conclude the subject with some 
reflections on what has been said, and some advice in 
the choice and treatment of another minister. 

^' One generation passeth away, and another generation 
Cometh ; but the earth abideth forever.'' 

Your habits are so firmly fixed, that no reformation is 
to be expected during my ministry ; and, indeed, it would 
require more power in the Deity to effect it, than it did to 
create the world. For when he created the world, he 
had only to say ; ^* let there be light, and there was 
light.'' He had no opposition. But to bring you to a 
sense of justice and equity, he must overcome your private, 
personal attachment to your own supposed worldly inter- 
est ; and that would require more power than it did to 
create the world ! 

And beside, my life is so far spent, that should you re- 
form, it is doubtful, whether it would produce any very 
beneficial effects on my labors. I mean to tell the whole 
truth, without partiality, or respect of persons. 

1. Then, we see from this subject, that when a people 
are unjust to their minister, they do not know where they 
are going, any more than the man, who goes to the tavern, 
into company, to the gambling table, to intemperance, 
family quarrelling, poverty, sickness, death and hell ! 
Such persons frequently think they are walking at liberty, 
when they are, in reality, bringing themselves under the 
severest of all masters. 

J'lst so, quarrels, divisions, contentions, separations, 
meeting houses, lawsuits, are the consequences of injus- 
tice to ministers. 



30 

When a people begin to step on the devil's ground, they 
do not know when they shall stop. 

3. AVe see from this subject the meaning of tliat part of 
the second commandment, which speaks " of visiting the 
iniquities of the fathers, upon the children, to the third 
and fourth generation." The injustice of the fathers to 
their minister, falls on their children, in the loss of that 
religious order, instruction, and discipline, which they 
would have received, had the fathers been just and equita- 
ble ; and it descends to the third and fourth generation, 
in contentions, divisions, and every evil work. 

3. We may see from tiiis subject, what abundant grati- 
tude we ought to feel, to the Creator, and Governor of the 
world, that we can live in so much harmony, when we 
have had so many things to disturb our peace. The half- 
way covenant, — religious sentiments, — politics, — Church 
discipline, — and the want of justice, and equity, in the 
support of the gospel ! ! 

All, which now remains, is to give you some advice in 
your choice, and treatment of another minister. One gen- 
eration passeth away, and another generation cometh ; but 
the earth abideth forever. In a liLtle time more, this sa- 
cred desk will be left vacant by my dismission, or death. 
This countenance you will see no more, in the land of the 
living ; the tongue which nov/ speaks will be silent ; and 
these eyes closed in death. Then, you will need another 
minister. Will you receive the word of exhortation, from 
one, who has had some experience in the gospel ministry, 
and who thinks he wishes your temporal and spiritual 
good ? 

Look out a man of good natural understanding, of a 
good education, and a pious heart : and tliis you must 
learn, not so much from his profession, as practice. For 
when men talk very freely of their own piety, we have 
reason to doubt their sincerity. " Empty vessels sound 
the loudest." 



31 

When you have found a man of good natural abilities, 
of a good education and pious heart ; settle hira. Give 
him a generous and honorable support, and pay him punc- 
tually ; as you have paid me. This you must do as a du- 
ty you owe to God, to yourselves, and your children. 
To enable him to apply himself to the work of the minis- 
try, if his salary depreciate ten per cent, make it good ; 
,if fifty per cent, make it good : if it depreciates to half its 
original value, double it : this you must do to convince 
him, you mean to be honest ; and that he has no occasion 
to be troubled about worldly things. 

Attend on his ministry constantly : you build school- 
houses, and support school masters ; but of what conse- 
quence is this, unless you send your children to school ? 
Just so it is with respect to a minister. You may have a 
minister and pay him seventy pounds salary, or seventy 
times seven, but if you do not attend on his ministry, it is 
all lost. 

Pray for him sincerely and piously : this will bring you 
to the house of God in a suitable frame : this will prepare 
you to receive the gospel from his lips, and to be savingly 
benefited by its blessed effects. 

And one thing more. Live in peace among yourselves. 
Eph. iv. 31, 33. — " Let all bitterness, and wratli, and an- 
ger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from 
you, with all malice." — " And be ye kind one to another, 
tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for 
Christ's sake hath forgiven you." 

If ye do these things, prosperity will attend you on 
earth, and heaven will be your eternal portion. 



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